My Pastor Blog over the next weeks will focus on temptation and as a backup to what Mark Crocco is covering in James. See his last two messages posted on Southwood’s web.
ww.southwoodministries.org/messages/messages_current.htm This back-up is something I have done previously. See my blog posting for May 6, 2009, Faith Assignment No. 5
Here is the relevant passage from James
(James 1:2-18) {2} Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(James 1:12-18) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. {13} When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; {14} but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. {16} Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. {17} Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. {18} He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. The word for trial and temptation are the same root word in the original language (Greek). This indicates that a situation could either be a trial or a temptation. How do you know which? James says you can know it is temptation when God is not encouraging the process nor the product. Trials by God are always designed to produce good (greater depth of godly character and spiritual fruit). Temptations always have the purpose to distract us from God, produce ungodly character and the fruit of the flesh. For example: take tension in a marriage brought on by some challenging circumstance. It is a trial designed by God to strengthen your marriage but it is also a temptation that can distract from the harmony and unity of your marriage. The latter is usually fueled by the flesh. The empowerment to maintain unity and fight the solicitations of the flesh come from the indwelling power of God for anyone who has united their heart with Christ. This opportunity is one that can be considered an opportunity of joy because of the good results God will give wisdom to pursue. You have a choice. Either yield to temptation or fight temptation and pursue greater godly character.
As I have looked at temptation in the Scriptures, it seems to follow a pattern.
(2 Cor 2:11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
(Eph 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, schemes has the idea of thought patterns (noema). In Ephesians 6:11, schemes comes from a word from which we obtain our word, methods, methodeuo with the root idea, (to employ craft); craft, deceit: - schemes, scheming. Temptation attacks both our thoughts as well as employs schemes designed to solicit us to move away from God, His resources, His fruitful character.
Take a look at some patterns and schemes as evidenced in two major places: the Garden and the Wilderness.
The Garden
(Gen 3:1-6) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" {2} The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, {3} but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. {5} "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." {6} When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
I have chosen to label the three areas of temptation to Eve as pleasure, possessions and power
Pleasure, “saw the tree was good for food.” (pleasure)
Possessions, “pleasing to the eye” (possessions)
Power, “desirable for gaining wisdom” (power)
The Wilderness
(Luke 4:2-13) where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Note the same pattern of temptation in the wilderness as in the Garden.
“Stones to bread” (pleasure)
“kingdoms of this world (possessions)
“Angelic assistance (power)
When the Apostle John warns about love for the world system that is opposed to God, he uses a threefold characteristic that also follows this pattern.
(1 John 2:15-17) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. {17} The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
“Lust of the flesh” (pleasure)
“lust of the eyes” (possessions)
“pride of life” (power)
Note Jeremiah’s warning about what not to boast about and what to boast about.
(Jer 9:23-24) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, {24} but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
“Strong man and his strength” (pleasure)
“rich man and his riches” (possessions)
“wise man and his wisdom”(power)
In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the king of Israel is warned against three things:
(Deu 17:14-20) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us," {15} be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. {16} The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." {17} He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. {18} When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. {19} It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees {20} and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
“wives” (pleasure)
“wealth” (possessions)
“horses” (power)
In practical terms, these three equate to, as root issues:
“whatever feels good” (pleasure)
“whatever I want, I want when I want it” (possessions)
“I want my way, “my will be done versus, “Thy will be done” (power)
human tendencies following the promptings of the flesh
“unwillingness to bring human passions under the Lordship of Christ (pleasure)
“Unwillingness to trust God for earthly needs” (possessions)
“unwillingness to relinquish personal rights” (power)
“Indulge” (pleasure); “accumulate” (possessions); “”look out for number one” (power)
When we return to the Garden and look again for principles in how the serpent tempted Eve, we can see again some of his strategy and method. Basically he offers short term gain without any regard for consequences. They were offered the opportunity to have their eyes opened and become like God. Nothing was said about nakedness and shame. Mean and women do not fantasize about consequences but rather about the immediate pleasure that we think can be gained.
God has promised us long term gain and infinite pleasure. We are challenged to match His infallible truth against Satan’s insatiable lies.
Pleasure: antidote - deny ourselves and fill our lives with God’s richness
(Mat 16:24-26) Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. {26} What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
(Psa 16:11) You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Possessions: antidote - give
(Mat 6:19-21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Power: antidote - serve
(Mat 19:28) Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Mark 10:42-44) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {43} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {44} and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
Allow me to illustrate from my own life. A number of years ago, after a men’s retreat, I offered to my family three areas of character that I believed I should work on. They countered that things, from their observation were fine in those three areas. They offered that impatience would be a better area to work on. So I began the process of self-examination to see if I could identify the root issues in impatience. Basically I discovered it was an issue of control or in the case of the three strategies above, power. I found that I wanted to be in control of the events of my life. If anything interfered, I became angry and impatient – doors that were locked when I didn’t think they should be, computers that didn’t cooperate in a timely fashion, and, of course, other drivers, signal lights, etc. Amazingly enough, I even attributed personality to inanimate objects as if they had conspired against me. Freedom and patience began to come as I acknowledged God’s right to control my life and I began to acknowledge His sovereign control over the daily events and relinquished my heart to trust Him in everything.
In temptation, God always has a way for us to escape.
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In James, we are encouraged to seek out God for wisdom when facing trials/temptations. Wisdom is a skill. Skills, to become skill need to be practiced. I have found it helpful to have at hand some key phrases, concepts, verses to counter temptation and give me a way of escape. This is exactly how Jesus handled the temptations in the wilderness. He was ready. So should we. Many of us who have been in vocations where we had to train for emergencies, learned to develop some instant responses that could mean life or death. Shouldn’t it be the same when it comes to temptation?
For instance, when issues of impatience threatened, I have several thoughts and actions. First of all, I remind myself that I am free to not respond impatiently. God has made me a new man in Christ.
(2 Cor 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(Rom 6:6-7) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- {7} because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
As a believer in Christ, I have a new freedom to live as God wants me to live. Even though my flesh continually provokes me, I am free to choose God’s way. When tempted to run down the path of anger and impatience, it is good to remember, “I don’t have to go down that path.” In other areas of temptation, I can remind myself, “that is below my dignity; the dignity given to me as one who is in Christ,” or, there is no future in that for me; or the consequences are not worth it. All of these reminders are helpful to keep the real nature of the temptation in view. Combine with this my definition of faith.
Faith is: my choice to take what God has revealed in His Word as my truth and reality to live by in spite of my feelings, circumstances, or the impositions of my culture’s value system.
For additional help, see Ken Boa’s web site where he has several daily affirmations to handle temptations. You might want to also listen through his audio series on “Money, Sex, and Power” that deals with the threefold areas of temptation.
I am praying for your successful skill development and freedom and you face the common challenge of temptation.
Backing up Mark and James
My Pastor Blog over the next weeks will focus on temptation and as a backup to what Mark Crocco is covering in James. See his last two messages posted on Southwood’s web.
ww.southwoodministries.org/messages/messages_current.htm This back-up is something I have done previously. See my blog posting for May 6, 2009, Faith Assignment No. 5
Here is the relevant passage from James
(James 1:2-18) {2} Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(James 1:12-18) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. {13} When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; {14} but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. {16} Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. {17} Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. {18} He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. The word for trial and temptation are the same root word in the original language (Greek). This indicates that a situation could either be a trial or a temptation. How do you know which? James says you can know it is temptation when God is not encouraging the process nor the product. Trials by God are always designed to produce good (greater depth of godly character and spiritual fruit). Temptations always have the purpose to distract us from God, produce ungodly character and the fruit of the flesh. For example: take tension in a marriage brought on by some challenging circumstance. It is a trial designed by God to strengthen your marriage but it is also a temptation that can distract from the harmony and unity of your marriage. The latter is usually fueled by the flesh. The empowerment to maintain unity and fight the solicitations of the flesh come from the indwelling power of God for anyone who has united their heart with Christ. This opportunity is one that can be considered an opportunity of joy because of the good results God will give wisdom to pursue. You have a choice. Either yield to temptation or fight temptation and pursue greater godly character.
As I have looked at temptation in the Scriptures, it seems to follow a pattern.
(2 Cor 2:11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
(Eph 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, schemes has the idea of thought patterns (noema). In Ephesians 6:11, schemes comes from a word from which we obtain our word, methods, methodeuo with the root idea, (to employ craft); craft, deceit: - schemes, scheming. Temptation attacks both our thoughts as well as employs schemes designed to solicit us to move away from God, His resources, His fruitful character.
Take a look at some patterns and schemes as evidenced in two major places: the Garden and the Wilderness.
The Garden
(Gen 3:1-6) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" {2} The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, {3} but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. {5} "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." {6} When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
I have chosen to label the three areas of temptation to Eve as pleasure, possessions and power
Pleasure, “saw the tree was good for food.” (pleasure)
Possessions, “pleasing to the eye” (possessions)
Power, “desirable for gaining wisdom” (power)
The Wilderness
(Luke 4:2-13) where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Note the same pattern of temptation in the wilderness as in the Garden.
“Stones to bread” (pleasure)
“kingdoms of this world (possessions)
“Angelic assistance (power)
When the Apostle John warns about love for the world system that is opposed to God, he uses a threefold characteristic that also follows this pattern.
(1 John 2:15-17) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. {17} The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
“Lust of the flesh” (pleasure)
“lust of the eyes” (possessions)
“pride of life” (power)
Note Jeremiah’s warning about what not to boast about and what to boast about.
(Jer 9:23-24) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, {24} but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
“Strong man and his strength” (pleasure)
“rich man and his riches” (possessions)
“wise man and his wisdom”(power)
In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the king of Israel is warned against three things:
(Deu 17:14-20) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us," {15} be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. {16} The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." {17} He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. {18} When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. {19} It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees {20} and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
“wives” (pleasure)
“wealth” (possessions)
“horses” (power)
In practical terms, these three equate to, as root issues:
“whatever feels good” (pleasure)
“whatever I want, I want when I want it” (possessions)
“I want my way, “my will be done versus, “Thy will be done” (power)
human tendencies following the promptings of the flesh
“unwillingness to bring human passions under the Lordship of Christ (pleasure)
“Unwillingness to trust God for earthly needs” (possessions)
“unwillingness to relinquish personal rights” (power)
“Indulge” (pleasure); “accumulate” (possessions); “”look out for number one” (power)
When we return to the Garden and look again for principles in how the serpent tempted Eve, we can see again some of his strategy and method. Basically he offers short term gain without any regard for consequences. They were offered the opportunity to have their eyes opened and become like God. Nothing was said about nakedness and shame. Mean and women do not fantasize about consequences but rather about the immediate pleasure that we think can be gained.
God has promised us long term gain and infinite pleasure. We are challenged to match His infallible truth against Satan’s insatiable lies.
Pleasure: antidote - deny ourselves and fill our lives with God’s richness
(Mat 16:24-26) Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. {26} What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
(Psa 16:11) You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Possessions: antidote - give
(Mat 6:19-21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Power: antidote - serve
(Mat 19:28) Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Mark 10:42-44) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {43} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {44} and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
Allow me to illustrate from my own life. A number of years ago, after a men’s retreat, I offered to my family three areas of character that I believed I should work on. They countered that things, from their observation were fine in those three areas. They offered that impatience would be a better area to work on. So I began the process of self-examination to see if I could identify the root issues in impatience. Basically I discovered it was an issue of control or in the case of the three strategies above, power. I found that I wanted to be in control of the events of my life. If anything interfered, I became angry and impatient – doors that were locked when I didn’t think they should be, computers that didn’t cooperate in a timely fashion, and, of course, other drivers, signal lights, etc. Amazingly enough, I even attributed personality to inanimate objects as if they had conspired against me. Freedom and patience began to come as I acknowledged God’s right to control my life and I began to acknowledge His sovereign control over the daily events and relinquished my heart to trust Him in everything.
In temptation, God always has a way for us to escape.
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In James, we are encouraged to seek out God for wisdom when facing trials/temptations. Wisdom is a skill. Skills, to become skill need to be practiced. I have found it helpful to have at hand some key phrases, concepts, verses to counter temptation and give me a way of escape. This is exactly how Jesus handled the temptations in the wilderness. He was ready. So should we. Many of us who have been in vocations where we had to train for emergencies, learned to develop some instant responses that could mean life or death. Shouldn’t it be the same when it comes to temptation?
For instance, when issues of impatience threatened, I have several thoughts and actions. First of all, I remind myself that I am free to not respond impatiently. God has made me a new man in Christ.
(2 Cor 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(Rom 6:6-7) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- {7} because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
As a believer in Christ, I have a new freedom to live as God wants me to live. Even though my flesh continually provokes me, I am free to choose God’s way. When tempted to run down the path of anger and impatience, it is good to remember, “I don’t have to go down that path.” In other areas of temptation, I can remind myself, “that is below my dignity; the dignity given to me as one who is in Christ,” or, there is no future in that for me; or the consequences are not worth it. All of these reminders are helpful to keep the real nature of the temptation in view. Combine with this my definition of faith.
Faith is: my choice to take what God has revealed in His Word as my truth and reality to live by in spite of my feelings, circumstances, or the impositions of my culture’s value system.
For additional help, see Ken Boa’s web site where he has several daily affirmations to handle temptations. You might want to also listen through his audio series on “Money, Sex, and Power” that deals with the threefold areas of temptation.
I am praying for your successful skill development and freedom and you face the common challenge of temptation.
Backing up Mark and James
My Pastor Blog over the next weeks will focus on temptation and as a backup to what Mark Crocco is covering in James. See his last two messages posted on Southwood’s web.
ww.southwoodministries.org/messages/messages_current.htm This back-up is something I have done previously. See my blog posting for May 6, 2009, Faith Assignment No. 5
Here is the relevant passage from James
(James 1:2-18) {2} Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(James 1:12-18) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. {13} When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; {14} but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. {16} Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. {17} Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. {18} He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. The word for trial and temptation are the same root word in the original language (Greek). This indicates that a situation could either be a trial or a temptation. How do you know which? James says you can know it is temptation when God is not encouraging the process nor the product. Trials by God are always designed to produce good (greater depth of godly character and spiritual fruit). Temptations always have the purpose to distract us from God, produce ungodly character and the fruit of the flesh. For example: take tension in a marriage brought on by some challenging circumstance. It is a trial designed by God to strengthen your marriage but it is also a temptation that can distract from the harmony and unity of your marriage. The latter is usually fueled by the flesh. The empowerment to maintain unity and fight the solicitations of the flesh come from the indwelling power of God for anyone who has united their heart with Christ. This opportunity is one that can be considered an opportunity of joy because of the good results God will give wisdom to pursue. You have a choice. Either yield to temptation or fight temptation and pursue greater godly character.
As I have looked at temptation in the Scriptures, it seems to follow a pattern.
(2 Cor 2:11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
(Eph 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, schemes has the idea of thought patterns (noema). In Ephesians 6:11, schemes comes from a word from which we obtain our word, methods, methodeuo with the root idea, (to employ craft); craft, deceit: - schemes, scheming. Temptation attacks both our thoughts as well as employs schemes designed to solicit us to move away from God, His resources, His fruitful character.
Take a look at some patterns and schemes as evidenced in two major places: the Garden and the Wilderness.
The Garden
(Gen 3:1-6) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" {2} The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, {3} but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. {5} "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." {6} When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
I have chosen to label the three areas of temptation to Eve as pleasure, possessions and power
Pleasure, “saw the tree was good for food.” (pleasure)
Possessions, “pleasing to the eye” (possessions)
Power, “desirable for gaining wisdom” (power)
The Wilderness
(Luke 4:2-13) where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Note the same pattern of temptation in the wilderness as in the Garden.
“Stones to bread” (pleasure)
“kingdoms of this world (possessions)
“Angelic assistance (power)
When the Apostle John warns about love for the world system that is opposed to God, he uses a threefold characteristic that also follows this pattern.
(1 John 2:15-17) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. {17} The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
“Lust of the flesh” (pleasure)
“lust of the eyes” (possessions)
“pride of life” (power)
Note Jeremiah’s warning about what not to boast about and what to boast about.
(Jer 9:23-24) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, {24} but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
“Strong man and his strength” (pleasure)
“rich man and his riches” (possessions)
“wise man and his wisdom”(power)
In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the king of Israel is warned against three things:
(Deu 17:14-20) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us," {15} be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. {16} The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." {17} He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. {18} When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. {19} It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees {20} and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
“wives” (pleasure)
“wealth” (possessions)
“horses” (power)
In practical terms, these three equate to, as root issues:
“whatever feels good” (pleasure)
“whatever I want, I want when I want it” (possessions)
“I want my way, “my will be done versus, “Thy will be done” (power)
human tendencies following the promptings of the flesh
“unwillingness to bring human passions under the Lordship of Christ (pleasure)
“Unwillingness to trust God for earthly needs” (possessions)
“unwillingness to relinquish personal rights” (power)
“Indulge” (pleasure); “accumulate” (possessions); “”look out for number one” (power)
When we return to the Garden and look again for principles in how the serpent tempted Eve, we can see again some of his strategy and method. Basically he offers short term gain without any regard for consequences. They were offered the opportunity to have their eyes opened and become like God. Nothing was said about nakedness and shame. Mean and women do not fantasize about consequences but rather about the immediate pleasure that we think can be gained.
God has promised us long term gain and infinite pleasure. We are challenged to match His infallible truth against Satan’s insatiable lies.
Pleasure: antidote - deny ourselves and fill our lives with God’s richness
(Mat 16:24-26) Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. {26} What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
(Psa 16:11) You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Possessions: antidote - give
(Mat 6:19-21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Power: antidote - serve
(Mat 19:28) Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Mark 10:42-44) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {43} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {44} and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
Allow me to illustrate from my own life. A number of years ago, after a men’s retreat, I offered to my family three areas of character that I believed I should work on. They countered that things, from their observation were fine in those three areas. They offered that impatience would be a better area to work on. So I began the process of self-examination to see if I could identify the root issues in impatience. Basically I discovered it was an issue of control or in the case of the three strategies above, power. I found that I wanted to be in control of the events of my life. If anything interfered, I became angry and impatient – doors that were locked when I didn’t think they should be, computers that didn’t cooperate in a timely fashion, and, of course, other drivers, signal lights, etc. Amazingly enough, I even attributed personality to inanimate objects as if they had conspired against me. Freedom and patience began to come as I acknowledged God’s right to control my life and I began to acknowledge His sovereign control over the daily events and relinquished my heart to trust Him in everything.
In temptation, God always has a way for us to escape.
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In James, we are encouraged to seek out God for wisdom when facing trials/temptations. Wisdom is a skill. Skills, to become skill need to be practiced. I have found it helpful to have at hand some key phrases, concepts, verses to counter temptation and give me a way of escape. This is exactly how Jesus handled the temptations in the wilderness. He was ready. So should we. Many of us who have been in vocations where we had to train for emergencies, learned to develop some instant responses that could mean life or death. Shouldn’t it be the same when it comes to temptation?
For instance, when issues of impatience threatened, I have several thoughts and actions. First of all, I remind myself that I am free to not respond impatiently. God has made me a new man in Christ.
(2 Cor 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(Rom 6:6-7) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- {7} because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
As a believer in Christ, I have a new freedom to live as God wants me to live. Even though my flesh continually provokes me, I am free to choose God’s way. When tempted to run down the path of anger and impatience, it is good to remember, “I don’t have to go down that path.” In other areas of temptation, I can remind myself, “that is below my dignity; the dignity given to me as one who is in Christ,” or, there is no future in that for me; or the consequences are not worth it. All of these reminders are helpful to keep the real nature of the temptation in view. Combine with this my definition of faith.
Faith is: my choice to take what God has revealed in His Word as my truth and reality to live by in spite of my feelings, circumstances, or the impositions of my culture’s value system.
For additional help, see Ken Boa’s web site where he has several daily affirmations to handle temptations. You might want to also listen through his audio series on “Money, Sex, and Power” that deals with the threefold areas of temptation.
I am praying for your successful skill development and freedom and you face the common challenge of temptation.
Backing up Mark and James
My Pastor Blog over the next weeks will focus on temptation and as a backup to what Mark Crocco is covering in James. See his last two messages posted on Southwood’s web.
ww.southwoodministries.org/messages/messages_current.htm This back-up is something I have done previously. See my blog posting for May 6, 2009, Faith Assignment No. 5
Here is the relevant passage from James
(James 1:2-18) {2} Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(James 1:12-18) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. {13} When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; {14} but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. {15} Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. {16} Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. {17} Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. {18} He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. The word for trial and temptation are the same root word in the original language (Greek). This indicates that a situation could either be a trial or a temptation. How do you know which? James says you can know it is temptation when God is not encouraging the process nor the product. Trials by God are always designed to produce good (greater depth of godly character and spiritual fruit). Temptations always have the purpose to distract us from God, produce ungodly character and the fruit of the flesh. For example: take tension in a marriage brought on by some challenging circumstance. It is a trial designed by God to strengthen your marriage but it is also a temptation that can distract from the harmony and unity of your marriage. The latter is usually fueled by the flesh. The empowerment to maintain unity and fight the solicitations of the flesh come from the indwelling power of God for anyone who has united their heart with Christ. This opportunity is one that can be considered an opportunity of joy because of the good results God will give wisdom to pursue. You have a choice. Either yield to temptation or fight temptation and pursue greater godly character.
As I have looked at temptation in the Scriptures, it seems to follow a pattern.
(2 Cor 2:11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
(Eph 6:11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
In 2 Corinthians 2:11, schemes has the idea of thought patterns (noema). In Ephesians 6:11, schemes comes from a word from which we obtain our word, methods, methodeuo with the root idea, (to employ craft); craft, deceit: - schemes, scheming. Temptation attacks both our thoughts as well as employs schemes designed to solicit us to move away from God, His resources, His fruitful character.
Take a look at some patterns and schemes as evidenced in two major places: the Garden and the Wilderness.
The Garden
(Gen 3:1-6) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" {2} The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, {3} but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. {5} "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." {6} When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
I have chosen to label the three areas of temptation to Eve as pleasure, possessions and power
Pleasure, “saw the tree was good for food.” (pleasure)
Possessions, “pleasing to the eye” (possessions)
Power, “desirable for gaining wisdom” (power)
The Wilderness
(Luke 4:2-13) where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Note the same pattern of temptation in the wilderness as in the Garden.
“Stones to bread” (pleasure)
“kingdoms of this world (possessions)
“Angelic assistance (power)
When the Apostle John warns about love for the world system that is opposed to God, he uses a threefold characteristic that also follows this pattern.
(1 John 2:15-17) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. {17} The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
“Lust of the flesh” (pleasure)
“lust of the eyes” (possessions)
“pride of life” (power)
Note Jeremiah’s warning about what not to boast about and what to boast about.
(Jer 9:23-24) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, {24} but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
“Strong man and his strength” (pleasure)
“rich man and his riches” (possessions)
“wise man and his wisdom”(power)
In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the king of Israel is warned against three things:
(Deu 17:14-20) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us," {15} be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. {16} The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." {17} He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. {18} When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. {19} It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees {20} and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
“wives” (pleasure)
“wealth” (possessions)
“horses” (power)
In practical terms, these three equate to, as root issues:
“whatever feels good” (pleasure)
“whatever I want, I want when I want it” (possessions)
“I want my way, “my will be done versus, “Thy will be done” (power)
human tendencies following the promptings of the flesh
“unwillingness to bring human passions under the Lordship of Christ (pleasure)
“Unwillingness to trust God for earthly needs” (possessions)
“unwillingness to relinquish personal rights” (power)
“Indulge” (pleasure); “accumulate” (possessions); “”look out for number one” (power)
When we return to the Garden and look again for principles in how the serpent tempted Eve, we can see again some of his strategy and method. Basically he offers short term gain without any regard for consequences. They were offered the opportunity to have their eyes opened and become like God. Nothing was said about nakedness and shame. Mean and women do not fantasize about consequences but rather about the immediate pleasure that we think can be gained.
God has promised us long term gain and infinite pleasure. We are challenged to match His infallible truth against Satan’s insatiable lies.
Pleasure: antidote - deny ourselves and fill our lives with God’s richness
(Mat 16:24-26) Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. {26} What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
(Psa 16:11) You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Possessions: antidote - give
(Mat 6:19-21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Power: antidote - serve
(Mat 19:28) Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Mark 10:42-44) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {43} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {44} and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
Allow me to illustrate from my own life. A number of years ago, after a men’s retreat, I offered to my family three areas of character that I believed I should work on. They countered that things, from their observation were fine in those three areas. They offered that impatience would be a better area to work on. So I began the process of self-examination to see if I could identify the root issues in impatience. Basically I discovered it was an issue of control or in the case of the three strategies above, power. I found that I wanted to be in control of the events of my life. If anything interfered, I became angry and impatient – doors that were locked when I didn’t think they should be, computers that didn’t cooperate in a timely fashion, and, of course, other drivers, signal lights, etc. Amazingly enough, I even attributed personality to inanimate objects as if they had conspired against me. Freedom and patience began to come as I acknowledged God’s right to control my life and I began to acknowledge His sovereign control over the daily events and relinquished my heart to trust Him in everything.
In temptation, God always has a way for us to escape.
(1 Cor 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
In James, we are encouraged to seek out God for wisdom when facing trials/temptations. Wisdom is a skill. Skills, to become skill need to be practiced. I have found it helpful to have at hand some key phrases, concepts, verses to counter temptation and give me a way of escape. This is exactly how Jesus handled the temptations in the wilderness. He was ready. So should we. Many of us who have been in vocations where we had to train for emergencies, learned to develop some instant responses that could mean life or death. Shouldn’t it be the same when it comes to temptation?
For instance, when issues of impatience threatened, I have several thoughts and actions. First of all, I remind myself that I am free to not respond impatiently. God has made me a new man in Christ.
(2 Cor 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(Rom 6:6-7) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- {7} because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
As a believer in Christ, I have a new freedom to live as God wants me to live. Even though my flesh continually provokes me, I am free to choose God’s way. When tempted to run down the path of anger and impatience, it is good to remember, “I don’t have to go down that path.” In other areas of temptation, I can remind myself, “that is below my dignity; the dignity given to me as one who is in Christ,” or, there is no future in that for me; or the consequences are not worth it. All of these reminders are helpful to keep the real nature of the temptation in view. Combine with this my definition of faith.
Faith is: my choice to take what God has revealed in His Word as my truth and reality to live by in spite of my feelings, circumstances, or the impositions of my culture’s value system.
For additional help, see Ken Boa’s web site where he has several daily affirmations to handle temptations. You might want to also listen through his audio series on “Money, Sex, and Power” that deals with the threefold areas of temptation.
I am praying for your successful skill development and freedom and you face the common challenge of temptation.
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